Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024

Uninterrupted Power

“Did you lose power?” “Is your power back on yet?” Last summer, power was a frequent topic of conversation, as strong storms and high winds blew across metro Detroit and through the Pointes. I wouldn’t be surprised if DTE’s outage map had the most “hits” during those times, as many of us scrambled to make alternate plans and waited (not-so-patiently) for electricity to be restored to our homes, appliances, medical devices, phones, the list goes on… It was stressful and anxiety-provoking as the minutes turned to hours and hours turned into days – especially with the sweltering heat! Those times were stark reminders of our reliance on power in our first-world, day-to-day lives – something that we often take for granted. Power – in the electrical sense – is something that we heavily depend on, but its availability isn’t guaranteed.

In a different context, the word “power” is verbalized by my chiropractic office at each visit. After checking for any spinal misalignments and then using personalized, gentle techniques as the patient lies on their back and then on their front, the chiropractor signals when the adjustment is complete – and that the nervous system is “back on track” – by exclaiming, “Power’s on!” Ahhh… More times than not, even if I didn’t perceive any discomfort beforehand, I leave feeling a bit lighter and more flexible. I appreciate this way to “power” my body – and become painfully aware if I wait too long between visits.

Beyond these two examples, though, the power that I’m most grateful for – the kind that is always on and is available to every one of us – is the power of God’s love and grace through the presence of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. What incredible gifts! This Lenten season, let’s take a moment each day to focus on our ultimate, endless “power source” and to thank God for providing it – free of charge, with no strings attached and no “outage map” necessary!

“Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20, Common English Bible

“I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13, Common English Bible

Sara Eardley

 

Here's a bonus, our one entry from Charles Wesley:

Hymn for Easter-Day

Read: Matthew 28:1-10

"Christ the Lord is ris'n to day,"
Sons of men and angels say,
Raise your joys and triumphs high,
Sing ye Heav'ns, and Earth reply.

Love's redeeming work is done,
Fought the fight, the battle won,
Lo! Our sun's eclipse is o'er,
Lo! He sets in blood no more.

Vain the stone, the watch, the seal;
Christ hath burst the gates of hell!
Death in vain forbids his rise:
Christ hath open'd paradise!

Lives again our glorious King,
Where, O death, is now thy sting?
Once he died our souls to save
Where thy victory, O grave?

Soar we now, where Christ hath led?
Following our exalted head,
Made like him, like him we rise,
Ours the cross—the grave—the skies!

What tho' once we perish'd all,
Partners in our parent's fall?
Second life we all receive,
In our heav'nly Adam live.

 Ris'n with him, we upward move,
Still we seek the things above,
Still pursue, and kiss the Son
Seated on his Father's throne;

Scarce on Earth a thought bestow,
Dead to all we leave below,
Heav'n our aim, and lov'd abode,
Hid our life with Christ in God!

Hid; till Christ our life appear,
Glorious in his members here:
Join'd to him, we then shall shine
All immortal, all divine!

Hail the Lord of Earth and Heav'n!
Praise to thee by both be giv'n:
Thee we greet triumphant now;
Hail the resurrection thou!

King of Glory, soul of bliss,
Everlasting life is this,
Thee to know, thy pow'r to prove,
Thus to sing, and thus to love!

 Charles Wesley, 1743

 

 

 

Saturday, March 30, 2024

All In

Read: Matthew5:14-16

My neighbor George is a constant source of inspiration, entertainment, and wonder for me. I have been blessed to live next door to George and his wife, Anna, since 1996. Both George and Anna are of Greek heritage. This devotion will focus on George. Anna deserves her own devotion, something to create for next year’s booklet.

Back to George. We have become great friends over the years. Sharing joint custody and long walks with my dogs, Campbell and Molly (Anna is afraid of dogs), we have had many animated discussions on all sorts of topics. What I really enjoy and admire about George is that he is “All In.” He does nothing half-way. His curiosity about the world, his love of family, his love of God, and his amazing zest for life have been a blessing for me to witness.

He is a devoted member of two local Greek Orthodox churches in the area. One, the church of his youth, and the other his wife Anna’s church. He shares his time and talents with both churches through choir, committee participation, and volunteer efforts on projects. He follows the fasting protocols of his church. I have learned so much from discussions with him about his faith and the unique features of the Orthodox religion. We share our concerns and pray for each other. Sometimes I give George a list, and he will light candles and say prayers for those who are dear to me.

As I mentioned, George is very devoted to his family. His daughter has three sons. George and Anna took care of each son at their home until they entered pre-schools or kindergarten. His relationship with those small boys was so beautiful to witness. He played with them, took them swimming, built projects with them, took them to the library, took them to church, and created a farmers’ market on his lawn with produce from his garden. As they have grown older, he attends all their sporting events. He has taken them on special trips to Lego Conferences, and to see Messi (the soccer player) play. They love their Papou and will have so many wonderful memories to cherish that they can share with their children and grandchildren.

George’s love of life and learning shines through in everything he does. He was an engineer before he retired, a perfect profession for his passion for information, order, and detail. He works diligently and lovingly in his vegetable garden each year. He likes nothing better than to be in his overalls and boots, planting, weeding, and harvesting. Every Halloween, George lines his porch with multiple pumpkins which he gets from Eastern Market. He delights in hiding from the trick-or-treaters and jumping out to scare them before handing out treats. George is an active participant in life. He is a role model for me, even though he can be exhausting at times!

Christ asks us to be “All In.” “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16

Nancy Grose

Good Friday, March 29, 2024

A Faithful Servant

“Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” – Matthew 17:20-21

Her name is Sister Rose Mary Sam, but her friends call her Sister Rose. I’m lucky to be one of those friends. Her presence in my life has had a profound influence on me, and she has become my “faith hero.”

Sister Rose is a Catholic nun, a member of the order of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. She has a very strong faith in God and has relied on her faith to carry her through many rough times.

Sister Rose was the second-oldest child of Lebanese parents who had immigrated to Detroit. Her father ran a small grocery store, while her mother stayed at home to raise five children. She told me that her family was very close-knit and that her parents stressed three things: work, family, and faith in God.

Unfortunately, her family suffered the loss of her beloved father, who died of brain cancer at the age of 50, when Sister was only 14 years old. Her mother succumbed to a lung infection four years later, leaving her young family without parents. Since her older sister had already married and left home, it fell to Sister Rose to care for her three younger siblings. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she took up where her parents left off and raised them. She was only 19 when she took full responsibility for their care. But she likes to say that she was not alone in that endeavor. She feels that God was there for her and her family every step of the way.

Sister Rose has also suffered from problems with her legs, causing her to have a great deal of difficulty walking, even with the use of a walker. Again, instead of being discouraged, she has simply kept going without complaint. She taught high school French for many years, played viola in the Grosse Pointe Symphony for 30 years, and continues to watch over her family. I have been lucky enough to play in a weekly string quartet with her for many years. Sister also travels to Lourdes, France, usually once a year, to serve as a volunteer to the many disabled people flocking there for healing. In fact, the last time I spoke with her she told me that, because of another fall, she was unable to leave the assisted living facility where she now resides. However, she told me that she let her doctor know that she still plans on taking a group of nursing students to Lourdes this year. Did I mention that she is 86 years old?

Sister Rose is very precious to all who know her, including me. She is one of those people who always lives her faith with kindness, humility and love. I’m usually greeted with something like, “Darling Jan. Aren’t we blessed to be able to play music together. I love you.”

Jan Versical

Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2024

Echoes of Gethsemane

Read: Mark 14:32-36

On the first Sunday of this new year, the congregation joined in A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition (UMH 607) as part of our worship service. It’s an amazing prayer that deserves to be better known than it seemed to be. At coffee hour that morning, Fred told Rev. Eardley and me that he had never read it before.

I affected outrage, noting that I had used it in a worship service at some point in the past; but it did get me to do a bit of research on the prayer. John Wesley adapted the prayer from some Puritan writings, and intended that all Methodist societies would use it at least at the opening of each year.

Frankly, as much as I like this prayer, I find it just as difficult to pray as the Lord’s Prayer. There we pray to be forgiven in the same way we forgive, and that’s really hard – I want more forgiveness than that! In this prayer, we’re basically asking to be used as God wills, not as we will – echoes of Christ in Gethsemane. It’s hard to give in to God – to give up my illusion of self-control – but that’s just what we’re called to do, and it’s just what we promise in this prayer:

I am no longer my own, but Thine.
Put me to what Thou wilt, rank me with whom Thou wilt.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be employed by Thee or laid aside for Thee,
exalted for Thee or brought low for Thee.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and heartily yield all things
to Thy pleasure and disposal.
And now, O glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
Thou art mine, and I am Thine. So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on Earth,
let it be ratified in Heaven. Amen.

Prayer: I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me; but I long to rise in the arms of faith and be closer drawn to Thee. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, by the power of grace divine; let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine. Amen. (Fannie J. Crosby, UMH 419)

Charlie van Becelaere

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Buy Nothing

And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices, God is pleased. – Hebrews 13:16

When I volunteered to coordinate the activities area of this year’s Shelter Week, we thought we were expecting about 20 women. “Why don’t you set up a manicure table? They’ll love that,” someone on Outreach suggested.

So I added an appeal in the Tuesday Newsletter for manicure supplies, puzzle books and coloring supplies to the long list of items needed. And of course, church members were generous. But wanting to leave nothing to chance, I also reached out to my local Buy Nothing Facebook group and was deluged with responses. In most cases, because this is how Buy Nothing works, I made the rounds picking things up and also enlisted Greg.

If you don’t know about this grassroots organization and are on Facebook, you might want to search “Buy Nothing” followed by your community. The concept is simple: Members either have something to give, have a request for something, or are looking to borrow something.

I am always mindful of the UMW rummage sale, which raises money for our missions, so I’m pretty frugal with what I post to give away. One time, someone asked for a hula hoop, and I had a fancy one from yoga that was gathering dust. We gave a weightlifting set that came with our house to the father of a teenager who was just getting into weights.

During the pandemic, you might see a mom home with young kids ask if anyone was going to Costco and could pick up a few things. I once surprised a friend who was about to buy a spare walker for her mother with a new-like walker from someone’s garage. People are always ready to lend their services, such as help with a resume.

I hear the national organization has launched an app, which makes me a bit sad. But I still appreciate the founding principle: “We exist to build resilient communities where our true wealth is the connections forged between neighbors.”

As you know by now, we didn’t get the 20 women we were expecting for Shelter Week. But that is another Lenten devotion that someone else may offer.

Prayer: Lord, make us cheerful, generous givers, and give us great joy in the privilege of giving. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Kathy Gardner

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Love & Holy Commitment

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. – Colossians 3:14-17

As many of you know, Logan and I were blessed to be married on July 22, 2023, in the presence of many friends and family at Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church. During these first 6 months of marriage, we have grown, learned, cherished, forgiven, and most importantly, loved. This scripture was read by Logan’s grandmother during our wedding, and we have continued to live by these words daily.

We could not be more thankful for the support, worship, and friendship GPUMC has provided to us since joining in 2020. As excited as we were to get married, knowing it would be in our gorgeous church was the cherry on top. Not only was it a beautiful service (thanks Rev. David!), but we even got to have our Irish Setter dog, Theo, as our “ring bearer.” It’s the small things like this that have always helped make it feel like home.

Logan and I have both been able to serve our church through committee work, and we are honored to give back in such meaningful ways. We both look forward to continuing this journey as we learn more about God and the many lessons our church will provide us.

Love is never ending, and we are so grateful to experience that from each other and from God every single day.

The Millers, est. 2023 (Anna and Logan)

Monday, March 25, 2024

Layer Upon Layer

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9

I recently refurbished a small oak play table for our grandson – sanding it, then applying coat after coat of polyurethane varnish, with light sanding in between each coat to prepare for the next one.

Oak has what I would call an open or coarse grain, and to prevent drips, I could only apply a light coat of varnish at a time. So the first two coats went on well, but there were many small pores in the grain that weren't sealed. In a play table those are great places for grime to build up or bacteria to thrive.

Clearly there was more work to be done. On to coat three. Then four. Then five.

I was definitely making progress at this point but not done yet. Tiny pores were still appearing as the varnish dried. Only after seven coats of polyurethane, plus some extra buffing and waxing, did the table have a truly resilient finish.

Now, I'm sure some people find their faith in Christ in a single moment, but my own journey has been more like refinishing my table. For me, service work – mission trips, shelter weeks, packing lunches or cooking for Cass are the experiences that really build faith, while soup supper fellowship, choral anthems, messages in sermons, and organ meditations are important preparations for the next layer of service and faith building.

Humans are not perfect, so there will always be more work to be done, but it is comforting to know that every form of service, worship, and learning – as each layer of varnish – is building our Christian resilience.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord for presenting opportunities for our service as the hands and feet of Christ, and for allowing those opportunities to grow our faith in Christ. Amen.

Bob Rossbach

Palm Sunday, March 24, 2024

A Call to Serve in the Middle

Read: Matthew 18:20

Late last spring I attended a YCM meeting at which parents of middle and high schoolers were invited to voice their thoughts about future programming at the church. I surprised myself with how many ideas I had pouring out, and was quick to disagree with those who raised concerns of having too few kids to make it "worth it," or the idea of planning only quarterly events. Fast-forward to the end of the summer and I realized that the one with all the big ideas was now being asked to head it all up. Because I come by my Methodism honestly, I certainly wasn't going to say no.

As the first official meeting of the new Middle School Youth Group approached I decided I had better pull in the 4th graders too so I would have more potential participants. The day of our first event, I hoped and prayed that there would be at least 1 other child who didn't come from my own house. I was so relieved when we had 4 youth and a smiling and ever-encouraging Reverend David show up. If you're wondering, this means we had 2 kids outside of my own join us, thus doubling my goal! The kids had fun, ate pizza, and shared lots of big ideas for the coming year. It showed me that it didn't take a lot but that we had much room to grow. Fast-forward to January, and while gathering photos to make a bulletin board, I found it hard to limit myself to an amount that would fit in the space I had. I looked back and saw all of the fun things we did together, like baking a monster batch of cookies (that left me in the kitchen until 10:30pm), a failed movie night that turned into a way more fun game night, a very messy pumpkin carving extravaganza, and the list goes on and on.

Even more meaningful for me was looking back and remembering the friends who joined our small core group of church youth, and the friends that the friends brought. The excitement and joy that bubbled over at the simplest of pleasures. The commitment that these youth have not only to come for the fun, but also to step up to serve. Whether it was decorating and table setting for a Soup Supper, staying to do the dishes after the fun, harvesting the last of the garden produce to share with the congregation, packing lunches for the Noah Project, sorting rummage for the Rummage Sale, making luminaria to light the way on Christmas Eve, or cutting and tying 20 blankets for our Shelter Week guests, these kids have answered the call to live and love like Jesus.

It is my hope that even though they may not fully understand the difference they are making now, that they will carry on fellowshipping together, bringing others in, and serving out of a place of joy in their hearts for many years to come.

I am most grateful for the calling to serve these youth, and lead them down this righteous path. I have felt myself challenged and been exhausted at times, but I have always received more back from these experiences than I have given.

Before closing with a scripture and prayer, I would be remiss not to thank those GPUMC members who make up a list too long to name here who have come to offer support during a meeting, share new (and old) ideas and encourage me along the way. Most especially I need to thank my husband, Georg, for unwittingly agreeing to be my sidekick at almost every event, for without his help I don't think I would have been able to do this.

In closing, on September 10th, during the church service on the day of our first meeting, Reverend David offered a scripture that would inspire and comfort me that morning, then continue to guide me as I planned and anticipated each of our meetings. It was from Matthew 18:20: "For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them."

This has stayed with me and reminded me always that if 2 kids come, God is there. If 20 kids come and I think to myself, "What have I done?" God is there. Where God is, there is great love, and these youth will surely carry that with them as they go on about their weeks.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father:
We feel your Spirit in the quiet moments as we learn and grow together. We feel you there in the joy and laughter of a bustling room overflowing with energetic kids. We thank you for meeting us wherever we are and in whatever we are doing, calling us to serve and spread your love. We thank you for giving us the time, the resources, and the youth and adults to answer this call. We pray that you continue to bless and watch over our youth in all they do. In your holy name we pray. Amen.

Emily Zerling, Middle School Youth leader

Saturday, March 23, 2024

Choosing to Love

Read: Philippians 2:1-8

Most of us remember the collective life changes we all experienced in March 2020. For me, those changes – and the later grief that accompanied so much of the pandemic – was made more profound by the loss of our 15 year old dog just a few weeks prior to the initial COVID shutdowns.

Woodley, our food and people-loving puggle, had been a near-constant in my life since college. And though I knew he would not be around forever, I didn't know how acutely I would feel his absence until after he was actually gone. In the early days after he died, every reminder he was no longer with us – from the almost empty peanut butter jars I used to save for him now languishing in the back of our fridge, to the many hairs still covering our clothes and furniture – felt so painful, I had trouble imagining how I could ever get another dog just to have to experience this pain again one day.

Of course, with time, my raw grief receded. And about a year later, I began offhandedly telling neighbors that I would love to dog sit for them, as I missed having a dog in the house. Thankfully, that offer led me to Ana, a rambunctious but loyal Airedale Terrier who very soon won over my heart and became a regular fixture in our home (thanks, in part, to her parents’ frequent travel schedule). I delighted in having a new animal buddy, and felt like I’d unlocked a new level of pet companionship: a part-time dog whose vet bills were paid by someone else. It felt like the perfect setup – that is, until Ana’s parents told me last year that they were moving out of state.

My initial sadness at the news Ana and her family were moving was quickly replaced by an unexpected emotion: pure gratitude for our time together. Having already lost Woodley, I knew I could handle saying goodbye to Ana, too. She stayed at our house during her final days in Michigan, as her parents packed for their move. I cherished our time together despite knowing it was likely our last. When their moving van was packed and I handed her off a final time, I had a tear in my eye but was grateful for the joy she had brought to my life. It was the definition of "bittersweet." And with those feelings, I knew I could handle getting another dog and one day saying goodbye to that one, too. Ana reminded me how much we, as humans, continue to choose love in the face of inevitable loss. That so many of us choose to love pets we’ll likely outlive is but one illustration of this universal reality.

For me, the Lenten season perfectly highlights the dichotomy of grief and love that is foundational to the suffering and joy we all experience on this earth. In times when the suffering of the world feels overwhelming, I am comforted by reminders of our capacity for unconditional love, including the love we share with our animals.

Beth Versical

Friday, March 22, 2024

Faith-Shaped Lives

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6

Recently, my great aunt, who is 103, shared a poem with me, written by one of her brothers about their tiny country church where their family grew up.

After reading this, I couldn’t help but realize the profound impact of so many lives upon mine. I’ve always thought of my grandma as a saint. Reserved, hard-working and deeply intelligent, my grandmother was quietly faithful, her Bible always near. It’s true what is said, “actions speak louder than words.” My grandma lived her faith.

I’ve also always considered my great aunt as one of my heroes. Loving and kind, always pouring into others, she even even left a job she loved to serve her country as a nurse in the Army when that was uncommon for women to do.

Now, through this poem, written by Grandma and Aunt Neva‘s brother, Myron, I see the faith that was modeled to me extended further than I knew. It enveloped a family. It shaped their existence. It is no accident it has shaped mine as well.

Prayer: Dear God, please guide my footsteps, mouth and heart, as I see to continue extending my family’s faith tradition to my own children. Amen.

Sandy Cameron

Here is the poem my great aunt shared with me:

Modest Worship

Tho' it's just a country chapel
without modern structural frills
I'm sure God looks with favor
on the task that it fulfills.

No, the structure isn't fancy
but it serves its purpose well
and it takes me back to childhood
with each ringing of the bell.

I recall in early evening
how its mellow tone would tell
everyone when time to worship
with a temporary spell.

And it has that same attraction
after many years have passed.
And the people just as friendly
as when I attended last.

 As I turn and gaze about me
at the faces plain but proud
there are some that I find missing
from the old time-tested crowd.

Yet when I visit in the churchyard
and on the simple marble slabs
are the names of those that's missing
and my finding makes me sad.

They have earned their long vacation
from this world of endless strife
yet this living generation can but
praise their useful life.

And as they wait for judgment
there is still no grand display.
But I'm sure God will forgive them
for their modest sort of way.

 Written by Myron C. Benson about Boblett Church

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Here I Am, Lord!

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I; send me!” – Isaiah 6:8

It was March 30th, 2023 around 3:00 PM in the afternoon when God called me. I was at one of our favorite haunts near our cottage in Southwestern, PA with my Mom and Brynn. It was a sunny “warmish” day. We were all enjoying the large playscapes and spending some time outdoors with, of course you guessed it, a coffee from the coffee shop at Whispering Pines Gift shop. It was the Thursday before Palm Sunday when a text from Doug Dykstra, our organist, came through, “Tam, I have COVID, can you cover rehearsal tonight?” I of course had to politely decline as I could not physically be home even if I wanted to for rehearsal that evening. Then it hit me, if Douglas is sick with COVID he won’t be able to play this Sunday. This set things in motion for one of the most rigorous weeks of my life as a musician. As it turned out, we needed someone not only to play for Palm Sunday, but for ALL of Holy Week. This is a rigorous week even for those who play for a living. I would learn 8 solos for preludes and postludes, 5 accompaniments for chorale anthems, and 12 hymns. I spent all of my spare time practicing so that I could play for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and EASTER SUNDAY! NO PRESSURE!!

To give some background. I do have a Bachelor of Music degree from Michigan State University, (GO GREEN!) and I did study piano in college. I accompanied my high school choir and taught piano lessons as a teenager. All this said, I have played in church from time to time over the years and have enjoyed sharing my gifts as offerings. However, I typically have 4-6 weeks to prepare ONE piece. The other thing you may not know is that in college I developed a severe case of performance anxiety through a series of unfortunate events. So, I was a bit terrified to say the least.

I wanted to do a good job for God, the congregation, and Doug. I didn’t want to let anyone down, especially since Easter is a special service with many visitors. As the week went on, and as I played more and more, something amazing started to happen. I started to become a little less nervous, was better able to deal with my anxiety, and was feeling more confident. On Easter Sunday, I was naturally still nervous and my playing certainly wasn’t perfect. However, as Jack van Becelaere always said, “it was adequate.”

As it turns out, I was the one who received the gift. God had put me in a situation that not only helped the congregation, but helped me tackle some of my demons. I also felt such love and support from the congregation. I cannot express how much I appreciated all of you rooting for me. So, I say all of this to highlight that you never know what is in store for you when you answer God’s call. At the end of the day, you yourself might receive the greatest reward.

In Christ with Humility,
Tamara Baubie

PS Let us all thank God for Doug’s recovery and pray for his continued good health! (Especially during holy week!)

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Peace That Passes All Understanding

Read UMH 265, "O Christ, the Healer"

As I'm writing this Lenten devotion, I'm listening to one of my many Christmas CDs and sitting amongst some of the seasonal items I set out weeks ago. I keep them in place well past the arrival of the new year to remind me that Christmas is a season of the heart, not one for just the weeks of December. Its spiritual gifts of hope, faith, love, peace, and joy should be cherished all through the year.

Most of us would agree that our world is in urgent need of the manifestation of these very qualities. World events so often threaten the peace humanity longs for and that the Prince of Peace came to usher in. Two tragic wars are currently bringing unthinkable human suffering and death, and physical destruction to the lands in which they occur. Persistent divisiveness in the realm of politics sadly reflects an unwillingness to look beyond one's own perceived needs, desires, and ambitions. Nor has the worldwide church been immune from this adversity, dividing itself again and again, a process that continues to this day. Beliefs not reflective of the eternal and changeless love of God for all Creation result in attitudes that place more value on form than on the content of the heart. Forms derive their meaning from their purpose, and purpose (content) ought to be the primary concern.

The lack of civility we so often find in everyday life (and especially in the world of politics) contributes not to a peaceful and stable society. An undercurrent of anger in both individuals and in groups of society is dishearteningly troubling. And as we've witnessed, violence in its many forms, overt or disguised, often is not far behind.

I'm picturing that well-known photograph of the Earth taken from space – a blue ball so seemingly small in the vastness of the physical universe. This image offers a wonderful perspective on just how intricately connected is life in all its forms on this planet. Yet across the globe we find "leaders" in various positions in human society whose aims are to maintain their fancied and meaningless "kingdoms,” whatever the cost to those societies. In such situations we find the grandeur of God has been replaced by the grandiosity of the ego.

We are all God's children, for there is only one Creator. Though known by different names by the Earth's varied peoples and cultures, it matters not how we name God. As I always say, God has no ego with which to be either flattered or offended. We make a profound mistake if we attribute to God distinctly human qualities. Rather, we should attribute to ourselves and each other the divine qualities with which we were endowed in our creation. From the Priestly account of creation in Genesis 1: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness.’”

We all have been entrusted with the gifts of God, to be used for a holy purpose. But gifts can be discarded and forgotten, or traded for something of material value which does not last. Esau traded his birthright for a meal (Gen. 25), and the Prodigal Son his inheritance for freedom from his father's household and protection (Luke 15). The son eventually "came to his senses" and awakened to his true relationship with his father, who forgave him and welcomed him back home with great celebration. I see this as one of Jesus' most significant parables, having universal application.

Let's return now to the aforementioned picture of the Earth taken from space. If one were an angel sent down to and hovering over the Earth, what would this ambassador from Heaven think of God's own children and their nearly constant battles all across the globe? Healing is the great need of this world – the healing of ourselves, our relationships, and the planet itself. Healing begins in the mind, an awakening to God's truth, a "coming to our senses.” The decision to heal is the decision to be healed, for giving and receiving are the same. Thankfully, there are many who see Jesus as the model for their lives, who do not perceive their best interests as apart from another's. "Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Mt. 25:40). They're also aware that God cannot be absent from any part of Creation, for they know the oneness of it. "For in Him we live and move and have our being." (Acts 17:28).

Have you felt the gentle touch of Christ in your life, reassuring you of God's eternal love and your inheritance? These gifts are not ours alone. They must be shared, and in doing so we come to know that they are always and truly ours. For unlike material gifts, spiritual gifts increase as they are shared, becoming even stronger in our minds. God's gifts include power, holiness, love, knowledge, peace, function, purpose. They are entrusted to our care, to give to those who walk this world lonely, afraid, and without hope, unaware that these gifts are for them as well.

So let us accept the "peace that passes all understanding” and share it and God's love with all we meet, remembering who they are in truth. It is no easy task, but if anything in this world is worth the effort, this certainly is!

Prayer: Father, we are forever Yours. We find no cruelty within our hearts, for there is none in You. With Your gifts we bless the world in gratitude for our creation and our eternal home in You. Amen.

Doug Dykstra

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Look Up and Listen

Read: UM Hymnal # 145 Morning Has Broken

Since Dave and I are now the proud owners of two dogs (see my devotion from last year for details), a morning walk is a necessity. Every. Single. Morning. In all honesty, we do skip for lightning.

Once last year we missed a day when we had that bitter cold snap and the temperature was way below zero with bone chilling wind, but that was only because Scout sat down in the driveway and wouldn’t move, which proves, I guess, that dogs are smarter than humans.

Even though we live in the suburbs, we are not lacking for many sights and sounds of nature. We’ve seen a bald eagle in a tree on Hampton near Jefferson. Countless squirrels and “tweeties” taunt the dogs. Once at the Ford Estate we encountered a deer not 20 yards away, plus a muskrat, and loads of geese and ducks. Since we’re lucky enough to live in Michigan, we have the ever changing seasons to enjoy. God has given us this beautiful world to help center us and bring us peace.

It pains me to see so many walkers with headphones on and their faces buried in a cell phone. Look up and listen to the blessings you have been given all around you and praise God for these gifts!

Prayer: Thanks be to God for the wonders and beauty of the earth freely given to us. May we always respect and cherish these gifts. Amen.

Sue DeWitt

Monday, March 18, 2024

Reach Beyond Your Grasp

³ when I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
⁴ In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I am not afraid;
what can flesh do to me? – Psalm 56:3-4

When I was in MYF about a hundred years ago, one of the activities at a church overnight was to create a banner with our personal motto or mission statement. Our youth minister’s message was really pretty simple and clear: You’re about to leave for college and start to design your own life. What is going to guide your life? What will be your lodestar?

Rev. Webb was especially good at encouraging conversation without preaching to us. On this night, he had all sorts of books and Bibles for us to explore, and we spent hours reading and talking about what we were finding. We were soooooo deep and philosophical! After a couple of hours of this, Rev. Webb shooed us off to think and work by ourselves and create our personal banner from the pile of fabrics, paper, and paints that he provided for us.

I settled on Robert Browning’s quote: A man’s reach should exceed his grasp (edited, of course, to become “a woman’s reach should exceed her grasp” because I was, after all, a budding feminist!).

My banner was on rough burlap with colorful triangles of orange and red felt and a long, jagged yellow lightning strike. I’m sure there was some meaning in there, although I no longer remember what that might have been. But the words have stuck with me, and they still resonate for me, perhaps even more now than when I was 17.

I’ve pondered these words a lot over the past year as I’ve watched my grandson move through the first year of his life, learning the basics of how to eat, how to turn over, how to crawl, how to grab, how to walk, and on and on. He effortlessly rises to each challenge. Nobody has told him that he has to learn any of this. His parents have certainly provided a safe space for him to learn how to navigate his world. But, in truth, he is pushed by some inexplicable desire to keep learning more, to keep moving forward. When he falls down, he gets up and tries again – and again, and again, and again.

Del could have chosen to stop when he learned to crawl, but he’s driven to learn how to walk. And now that he’s mastered walking, he’ll move on to learning how to run. After that, who knows!

Watching him has reminded me anew that falling back into the comfortable is awfully easy. Retreating into the known and the familiar is safe. Reaching out to do something that’s uncertain and unfamiliar is hard and scary. But, just as infants and toddlers are always in a state of learning, I want to be in that place too. I want to keep growing and that means that I must be willing to continue to reach out because growth only happens when we reach beyond our comfort zones.

Prayer: Help me not to fear the unknown but to step ahead knowing that you will comfort and support me in all ways. When I stumble, you will reach out to lift me; when I fall, you will pick me up. In all things, you will be my strength and aid. Amen.

Joan Richardson

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Tiny Ripples

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.
Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God.” – 3 John 1:2-6

GPUMC does a staggering amount of good work. A recap of some of our latest efforts provides a rich sample. Ninety books donated to a reading program. Lunch prepared for 150 at the Scott Center. Another blood drive, the 12^th in the past four years. Three hundred NOAH bag lunches. The housing of 20 homeless people during Shelter Week. Five hundred people served by the Immanuel Food Pantry in a single week, with most of the food donated by our church.

Yet while our efforts continue to grow, so does the need. It’s easy to get discouraged and wonder: Does it really make a difference?

My recent reading of a book about Bobby Kennedy provided an answer. I was struck by how, late in his short life, his political focus dovetailed with a growing Christian sensitivity, especially when it came to the poor and downtrodden.

At one point, he was invited to speak in South Africa, then under the grip of the system of racial inequality known as apartheid. In what was later called his “Ripple of Hope” address, Kennedy said:

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation. … Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

In that spirit, may GPUMC find a way to be an endless source of such ripples for many years to come.

Dave Versical

Saturday, March 16, 2024

A Day of Celebration – A Day of Tragedy – Days of Healing

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. – Matthew 5:4

As was often the case, my neighbors were traveling for the Christmas holidays and asked me to watch the house and take care of their parrot. I was happy to oblige as this was going to be a special trip for them. Two days after Christmas, their 34 year old son was going to be married in Texas. It would be a small, family affair to be followed by a grand reception in Michigan in the summer. The day of the wedding I texted good wishes to the family and received a couple pictures of the bride and of the family posed on the courthouse steps. This wedding was a day of great celebration as it was most welcome for their bachelor son.

The day after the wedding the family went out for a lovely dinner and then the unthinkable happened. Their car was involved in a tragic crash that instantly killed the mother and her son. The bride and father were alive and hospitalized. The driver of the vehicle that struck them had run a stop sign. The shock of the news and the uncertainty that lay ahead was hard to process. We were so grateful to hear the bride was able to recover but our hearts sank again when the father also succumbed to his injuries. Now we had a bride without her husband, a set of parents that were gone, a lone family member still living and grieving family and friends.

I went from shock and believing my beloved neighbors could not really be gone to asking how God could let this happen. Then came all the comforting actions of my friends and neighbors. People cried with me, they brought over food, they hugged me, they shared their reactions, they mourned with me and they shared their faith, they sat with me, they sent cards. I came to realize all these actions were the gift of a God who mourns with us when life happens because he allows free will to happen. God has given me comfort and strength to get through these days that initially paralyzed me with grief. He has also allowed me to offer my help and comfort to the family. As the days go on, my tears are not as intense, hope returns, and I have wonderful memories of my dear friends that make me laugh again. I also rest in the assurance that they have been welcomed into God’s everlasting arms because they also were persons of faith. Then I sorrow for a young man whose careless actions caused this tragedy.

My love and appreciation for family and friends have grown more intense as I realize that tomorrow is promised to no one. Let people know you love them and heal those family rifts that may separate you from loved ones. God has promised is that he will be with us through this journey of grief and sorrow because he has promised us eternal life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we see your love and comfort in the faces of those who mourn with us. May we rest assured that our loved ones are in your welcoming arms. Amen

Pat Deck

Friday, March 15, 2024

Call the Ladies of the Church

Read: Luke 10:38-42

This was written many years ago by a much loved and dedicated member of College Grove Methodist, Marie Crunk:

If there's a need for missions anywhere,
If there's a reason for extra prayer,
Call the ladies of the church!

If there's a want for clothes to wear,
If there's a burden you need to share,
Call the ladies of the church!

If the Pastor needs a friend,
If there are Thanksgiving gifts to send,
Call the ladies of the church!

If there's a quilt awaiting quilting,
If the flower bed is wilting,
Call the ladies of the church!

If you want a potluck dinner,
If the carpet's getting thinner,
Call the ladies of the church!

If you want a job to do,
We are always needing you!
Call US – the ladies of the church!

I wonder if Mary and Martha were the first "ladies of the church?"

Luke 10:38-42 says that Martha works hard to welcome Jesus to her home. Her sister, Mary of Bethany, simply sits at His feet and listens. Both Mary and Martha serve, yet Mary understands the priority and necessity of choosing to abide with Christ. Martha wanted to feed Jesus and make Him comfortable. Mary wanted to honor Him and be attentive to what He had to say.

I think what they both did was important. The lesson to learn from the story of Mary and Martha is to seek God's presence and to listen well as He speaks to us.

Georgann Waddey, CGMC

Thursday, March 14, 2024

I Can See Clearly Now

Read: Mark 8:22-25, UMH 454

If you’ve known me very long, you’ve known me as a glasses-wearer. I got my first pair when I was eight or nine (I know it was fourth grade, I just don’t remember how early in the year it was), and I kept “upgrading” to new, more powerful models on a regular basis until I had finished 60^th grade. Then, my ophthalmologist told me that if I didn’t get my cataracts fixed pretty soon, the Secretary of State would be after my driver’s license. (I consider that a motivational speech worthy of Dan Campbell.)

I had been expecting this for quite some time, really. Both my parents had had cataract surgery, so it was not a big surprise that I would be in line for the same. Still, surgery isn’t something one generally anticipates with joy – although I did look forward to having had it done, rather than having it done, if you know what I mean.

I remember when Mom was first scheduled for the surgery, and was a bit frightened – after all, having someone take something out of your eye and put something else back in while you’re awake doesn’t sound like the stuff of dreams (nightmares, perhaps). Fortunately, another church member, Bert Prisk, told her it was the best thing she could ever do – he had re-discovered colors he hadn’t seen for years when he had his surgery – so she went into it with a little less trepidation, and then she found with joy that there were so many different colors in the flame of a candle.

I used Mom’s experience to settle myself for my surgery. I won’t bore you with all the details (ask me later if you really want the bird’s eye low-down), but I will say it was great having Nancy Grose drive me to and from my first one (it was scheduled while Heidi was assisting with other surgeries), and tell me later that I “must have a devotion in there somewhere.” Indeed I did.

At any rate, that was several months ago, and I’m still adjusting to this bare-eyed way of life. Did you know that wind and snow and rain can go right in your eyes when you’re out walking? Nobody warned me about that. I sometimes reach to remove my glasses to wash my face. I even expect them to fog up when I come in from the cold. (I actually thought they had when I walked through the dryer exhaust on the driveway the other day!)

All of this made me think that maybe sometimes miracles aren’t something mysterious. Sometimes they’re just how God has led men and women to do their best to help someone else. I really don’t want to call something that’s commonplace now a miracle, but that’s how it feels to me day after day. Of course, real miracles really are miraculous and mysterious, and maybe some day I’ll witness one of those, but for now, I’m going to thank God for His miraculous leading of all the folks who were involved in giving me this gift of sight.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of sight – for all of our senses. Even more, we thank You for those glimpses of truth You reveal to us in the commonplace miracles that surround us every day. Open our eyes, illumine us, Lord. Amen.

Charlie van Becelaere

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Always Present

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1

Toward the end of a wonderful three-week vacation in Florida, my worry machine kicked in. Flying into the Tampa Airport, my God-child, Beth, and I had 3 suitcases, one walker, and ourselves to transport to the airport car rental area, two train rides from where we got off the plane. Fortunately, the attendant pushing my wheelchair helped with the trip to Avis. BUT, we found out there was no transport or wheelchair service from the Avis car drop off spot to the departure gate. As the return trip approached and many calls were made in vain to obtain help and directions, worry wheels began. But somehow, I felt peace and calmness the morning of the trip. As Beth pulled into the car rental drop off spot, a lady opened the car door and as Beth explained our plight, the lady said, “Get in the back seat, no problem, I will drive you to the departure drop off spot where you can get the help you need.”

This is a simple, but very real example of God’s constant presence in our lives. We do not need to ask for His help as our needs are known before we realize divine guidance is needed. I ask myself, “Why did I choose worry, instead of 100% trust in God from the beginning?”

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your divine guidance even when we do not realize it is needed. May our strength in Your presence and guidance become stronger each day. Amen.

GOD IS OUR CONSTANT GUIDING STAR

Carolyn Barth

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

In Awesome Wonder

Oh Lord, my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds thy hands have made….

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23

I watched the sunrise today. I reveled in the pale pastel dawn colors as I ran alongside the ice-covered lake. I noticed the tiny, furry buds coming on the bare tree branches with that gorgeous background. I considered the hope in my heart brought on by those tiny furry buds, while at the same time considering the sharp and jagged ice. Fierce and harsh conditions created the sparkling sharp peaks jutting from the surface of the lake.

Through all the layers I was wearing to keep from getting frostbite on this frigid morning, my heart felt bursting with warmth.

We walk through the harshness and the beauty of life all at the same time. It’s all there – the pain and hurt, disappointment and agony, alongside jaw dropping miracles every moment of each day. We are usually too busy to think of it this way.

On this morning I turned from the tree bud to see the orange ball of the sun emerging over the horizon, and yet another contrast filled my heart. I have traveled many places to see beautiful things, yet here is a remarkably stunning scene which I have jogged into, requiring no payments, flights, or travel.

My “ordinary” homeland is so extraordinary. How awesome to be held in the hands of our father, Lord of all of it.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your mercies that are new each day. Thank you for sleep to renew our bodies and minds, and for a chance to begin anew each day.
Thank you for holding us in your hands as we experience the contrasts of life on Earth. Amen.

Sandy Cameron

Monday, March 11, 2024

Separation of Church and State

Read: Deuteronomy 18:20

I have been a Republican Precinct Delegate in Grosse Pointe Woods for quite a while. For those who do not know, Precinct Delegates (PD) are the lowest elected positions in both the Democrat or Republican Parties and form the initial official grassroots structure for participating in campaigns and elections. It is a formalized volunteer position, and can be as active or passive as interest, skills, and time allow.

Here in Michigan when I first got elected as a PD, getting involved was mostly a straightforward process, with Party members working together to accomplish common goals to get quality candidates elected. They are organized in various groups: Congressional Districts, County Districts, and of course, the Michigan Republican Party (MIGOP) State Committee. Leaders can participate in more than one entity, and they operate cooperatively, but still each entity has a distinct individual and separate hierarchy.

What you might have noticed since the MIGOP State Committee elected new leadership early last year, is that there has been a serious disagreement between the elected leadership and a faction that has torn itself away and denounced the elected leadership as being ineffective and self-serving. Lawsuits and emotionally charged meetings have ensued, some with violent altercations.

Being a PD, I am automatically included in receiving correspondence from both sides of the conflict. The writing is difficult to read, strenuously emotional, inquisitory, and frankly, nasty on both sides. The thing that highly bothers me the most is that both sides utilize inappropriately Christian quotes as justification (and religious authorization) for their viewpoint.

Frankly, I am embarrassed that the organization that I initially joined has degraded into an ugly chaos. I was hoping to continue and “wait out” the final outcome until the Party can get back to its true functionality. We will see.

So why is this a Devotion? As I sat in the back pew on Sunday January 28, 2024, I looked over our congregation and realized how fortunate GPUMC is that the Christian Word and corresponding action, is based on adherence to the true intent of the Word. It was reinforced by the Old Testament reading that morning (Deuteronomy 18:20) with the phrase: “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name which I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.” Pretty harsh stuff, but the intent of it certainly is applicable to the current MIGOP State Committee and their warring factions.

Prayer: Lord, please give me the patience and wisdom to help this organization get back to its true intent and approach or give me an alternative path to follow. Amen.

David DeWitt

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Following the Leader

Then Jesus went to work on his disciples. “Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead. You’re not in the driver’s seat; I am. Don’t run from suffering; embrace it. Follow me and I’ll show you how.” – Matthew 16:24 MSG

After a game of Follow the Leader with the kids, Pam’s sermon about following Jesus took me on a drive in my imagination. Often in a car we are either following or leading someone else. It was especially fun to find the Message’s translation of the scripture for that day.

In high school a bunch of us would play “Chase” after MYF – which is just a teenage version of Follow the Leader driving cars. (Even going to church twice on Sundays doesn’t change the chemistry of a teenage brain.) Of course, the only safe position in that game is leader – because you know where you’re going and if the path is clear in front of you. Since bad things only happen to others in a teenager’s brain, a bent wheel from hitting a curb, or a scraped driver’s door from side swiping a sign are unexpected (and difficult to explain) consequences. Did they stop us from playing again? Not until we outgrew that teenage brain and actually considered who was good to follow – and how.

Fast forward to the adult who now is in the driver’s seat leading someone – perhaps a teenager – to somewhere they have never been. Most likely the follower is sticking pretty close to the rear bumper, but there are stop lights, other cars, etc. that get in the way. Assuming you’re not trying to lose your follower, you most likely are keeping an eye on them in your rear-view mirror. If you’re a careful/caring leader, you’ll even stop or slow down to be sure they catch up.

Isn’t that what Jesus is doing for us? He’s keeping his eye on us – even if we end up on a detour, or get slowed down or stopped by some distraction. If we follow Him, He’ll slow down, or back up, or wait patiently at the side of the road till we get back in line behind Him.

Dear Jesus, thanks for keeping me always in Your rear-view mirror. Amen!

Jacki Rumpp, CGMC

Saturday, March 9, 2024

All Things Will Fall into Place

Read: Romans 8:26-28

I happened upon a hidden stream
and sat down on the bank to think.
The water was so clean and pure, it seemed as a mirror,
a reflection of my life.

The water rushing to the sea
as birth and infancy is to age and death
How soon came my silvered hair.

Good God there is so much to know
and so little time to find out true insight,
to know for sure that one's values are meaningful
and have purpose.
This, Lord, has escaped my feeble grasp.

The stream has showed me this, and more...
some of which I did not like.
But maybe that's what life is all about,
a never ending search by inquisitive minds
concerned with the order of things.

And if this be true, then I will accept the challenge,
knowing that, in the end,
All things will fall into place.

Written by Glenn DeLodder and spoken at the funeral of his father, Frank DeLodder, April 4, 1991